In 2000, Best Buy wanted to build its corporate headquarters in Richfield, Minnesota. There was one obstacle: the Walser automobile dealerships owned land the company wanted, and negotiations failed to produce a voluntary sale. Rather than find another location or offer terms the owners would accept, Best Buy sought government assistance. Richfield exercised eminent domain, compelling the transfer of the property for private development. The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld the taking, and an evenly divided state Supreme Court left that ruling standing. The transaction was legal. But was it right?
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